Cozy Powell

Cozy Powell (1947-1998) was one of the most powerful and influential hard-rock/heavy-metal drummers of the 1970s and 80s. Known for his thunderous style, precision, and showmanship (especially his trademark double-bass drum attacks and cannon-like snare sound), he brought a larger-than-life energy to every band he joined. Though never a household name like Moon or Bonham, he’s a drummer’s drummer - highly respected by peers and often cited as a major influence on metal and hard-rock drumming.

Key Bands & Contributions

• Jeff Beck Group (Beck-Ola era replacement for a short time, then properly on later albums)
• Bedlam (his own short-lived early-70s band)
• Rainbow (1975–1980) – played on the classic Ritchie Blackmore-era albums Rising, Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Down to Earth
• Whitesnake (1982–1985) – the monstrous drum sound on Slide It In and the 1987 album
• Michael Schenker Group, Black Sabbath (Headless Cross & Tyr albums with Tony Martin), Emerson Lake & Powell, Gary Moore, Brian May Band, Peter Green Splinter Group, and countless sessions

He also had a successful solo career in the UK with hit singles like “Dance with the Devil” (1973, peaked at #3) and “The Man in Black/Theme One” that showcased his dramatic, almost orchestral drumming style.

Interesting Facts

• Real name: Colin Trevor Flooks – “Cozy” came from a childhood nickname inspired by jazz drummer Cozy Cole.
• His 1973 instrumental “Dance with the Devil” features one of the earliest uses of a drum machine (a Maestro Rhythm King) synced with live drums on a hit record.
• Loved fast cars and motorbikes; tragically died in 1998 at age 50 in a car crash near Bristol while talking on his mobile phone to his girlfriend (speeding in bad weather, no other vehicle involved).
• Played the famous cannon shots live with ELP in the 1980s using custom electronic triggers.
• Turned down offers to join Deep Purple (after Ian Paice) and Queen (after Roger Taylor left in the late 80s).
• Recorded with Kate Bush, Donovan, Hot Chocolate, Robert Plant, Roger Daltrey, and even the London Symphony Orchestra.
• His drum kit on Rainbow’s “Stargazer” is considered one of the most epic performances in hard-rock drumming history.

In short, Cozy Powell was the go-to powerhouse drummer for British hard rock royalty from the mid-70s through the 90s - big sound, big personality, and a tragically short life.